Letter 17 - May 15, 1943
(a transcription of the letter appears below the images)
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Baylis Ill
May. 15-43
Local Draft Board.
Potosi Mo.
I took those Papers and lost a day and 1/2 trying to get hem fixed up and they can't be done. now Iget something els to do be sides run around all the time What kind of a Patarolic Bunch do you think you are any way? This farm was idle last year on your ac count down there you had me in such a shape I never Plowed a Furrow. Couldn't untill it was to late before you Put me in 4F There has been requests over the radio for all to farm heavier this year in the War effort. Do you ever listen? or do you care? and more than that what about that 5 years and 10 thousand fine if I sign them Papers with a Promice not to send me up. and that Broke me Puttin my name on the Prison list I took them Papers to one attorney and a Notory one Postmaster and the Local Board here all I could do was send them back. I knew you wouldn't beleive an ex con that is the reason I sent those affidoits in from good reliable People.
I run the mill strong last year untill the gasoline ration and they took all my help to the army. now I run it only as I can get help to do so. I lost most of my records by fire last Janurary so I cant fill out a true report on the mill work. another thing that questionair don't state wheather those logs come from this farm or not. which they never and I don't know where they all come from any way I fill that out you could trap me and send me up.
I will haft to check with the Tie Companys to find out exactly and as the Lumber that is impossible for I trade Work Lumber and Lumber and work for Timber. Money and Lumber for Tractor Plowin and things like that where there is no record kept on if I can get to the County Seat I will see what I can do again but I can't walk that far again my ankles are swolen up yet from walkng so much the 12th I have been layed up ever since. of course I know you all don't give a dam what we go thorugh with you have a car and a way to go no dirt roads and much never milked a cow havn't got a lot of little chicks to leave all day and night alone. Why don't you help win this war like so many others are doin use some comnon sence and send me a questionair that I can fill out. I think I have done more then most People would under my circun stances
I remain
(Signature)
Baylis Ill
Reg. no 1189